System and Method for Orientation and Movement of Remote Objects

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for moving an object in an enclosed area using a magnetic dipole deployed in the enclosed area and thereafter applying an external rotating magnetic field for applying a rotational force to the dipole along one or more selected axis. The external magnetic field is moved to manipulate object in the desired direction(s) of movement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the use of magnetic fields for the orientationand movement of remote objects. More particularly, the invention relatesto systems and methods for orienting and moving a remote object having amagnetic field by using a rotatable magnetic field external to theobject.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The deployment of relatively small probes or sensors for performingtasks in confined, inaccessible, or remote spaces is useful in severalcontexts. For example, it is known in the arts to use wireless capsulesfor collecting images by equipping them with cameras, or for deliveringdoses of medication to general areas of the digestive system byequipping them with drug reservoirs. The currently available wirelesscapsules used in the medical field are carried by peristalsis throughthe digestive tract. In non-medical applications, a probe capsule may becarried by fluid flow and/or gravity through a system of piping ortubing. Such approaches utilize movement inherent in the environmentbeing investigated, and the movement and orientation of the probes isleft to chance to some extent. The challenges of providing controllableorientation and movement functions for remote probe technology aresignificant. Attempts to provide movement capabilities to remote probeshave been made using mechanical drive systems. However, such systemsrequire a significant amount of power, which is difficult to providewithin the space available.

Due to the foregoing and possibly additional problems, improvedapparatus, systems and methods for orientation and movement of remoteobjects would be useful contributions to the arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/753,931,which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes by thisreference. This application and the related application have one or morecommon inventors. In carrying out the principles of the presentinvention, in accordance with preferred embodiments, the inventionprovides controlled orientation and movement in remote objects. Theembodiments described herein are intended to be exemplary and notexclusive. Variations in the practice of the invention are possible andpreferred embodiments are illustrated and described for the purposes ofclarifying the invention and are not intended to be restrictive. Allpossible variations within the scope of the invention cannot, and neednot, be shown.

According to one aspect of the invention, in an example of a preferredembodiment, a method for moving an object in an enclosed area includessteps for placing an object comprising a magnetic dipole in the enclosedarea and thereafter applying an external rotating magnetic field forapplying a rotational force to the object along a variable axis. Theexternal magnetic field is moved to manipulate object along the variableaxis in the desired direction of movement.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system for moving anobject in an enclosed area provides an object for placement in theenclosed area, the object having a magnetic dipole. The system alsoincludes an external magnet configured for generating a rotatingmagnetic field for use in exerting a rotational force on the object. Acontrol mechanism is provided for moving the external magnet in order tomanipulate the object in the desired direction of movement.

According to an aspect of the invention, in preferred embodiments,methods and systems for orienting an object in an enclosed area includeplacing an object having a magnetic dipole in an enclosed area with astarting orientation. An external magnetic field is applied in proximityto the magnetic dipole and manipulated to interact with the magneticdipole causing the object to adopt a second orientation relative to thestarting orientation.

According to other aspects of the invention, in preferred embodiments,the remote object referred to herein is placed within a living medicalpatient, i.e., in vivo.

According to another aspect of the invention, a preferred method formoving an object in an enclosed area includes the step of placing anobject comprising a magnetic dipole within the enclosed area. The objecthas support points where it can make contact with the surface of theenclosed area. In a further step, wherein one support point of theobject is in contact with a surface of the enclosed area, an externalrotating magnetic field is applied, causing the dipole to rotate. Thuschanging the support point of the object in contact with the surface ofthe enclosed area, the external magnetic field is moved to manipulatethe object in a desired direction of movement.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, in examples ofpreferred embodiments thereof, a system and method for observing anenclosed area provides for placing an object having a magnetic dipoleand an image sensor in the enclosed area and applying an externalrotating magnetic field. The external magnetic field is used to move theobject for observing the area.

The invention has advantages including but not limited to providing oneor more of the following features, orientation control for remoteobjects, controlled movement for remote objects, low power requirementsfor probe motion systems, and robustness of motion control elements.These and other advantages, features, and benefits of the invention canbe understood by one of ordinary skill in the arts upon carefulconsideration of the detailed description of representative embodimentsof the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more clearly understood from considerationof the description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified partial cutaway view of an example of apparatusaccording to preferred embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified partial cutaway view of an alternative example ofapparatus according to preferred embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overview of the operationof apparatus, systems and methods of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overview of the operationof apparatus, systems and methods of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of apparatus,systems and methods of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of apparatus,systems and methods of the invention in an exemplary operatingenvironment;

FIGS. 7A-7D are a series of conceptual diagrams portraying an example ofa preferred alternative embodiment of a system and method steps of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a preferred alternativeembodiment of systems and method steps of the invention;

FIG. 9 is another conceptual diagram illustrating a preferredalternative embodiment of systems and method steps of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a preferred alternativeembodiment of systems and method steps of the invention in an exemplaryoperating environment;

FIG. 11 is another conceptual diagram illustrating a preferredalternative embodiment of systems and method steps of the invention inan exemplary operating environment.

FIG. 12 is a close-up diagram illustrating a portion of magnet movingapparatus and systems according to preferred embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating external magnet moving apparatus andsystems according to preferred embodiments of the invention.

References in the detailed description correspond to like references inthe various drawings unless otherwise noted. Descriptive and directionalterms used in the written description such as up, down, horizontal,vertical, upper, side, et cetera; refer to the drawings themselves aslaid out on the paper and not to physical limitations of the inventionunless specifically noted. The drawings are not to scale, and somefeatures of embodiments shown and discussed are simplified or amplifiedfor illustrating principles and features as well as advantages of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the making and using of various exemplary embodiments of theinvention are discussed herein, it should be appreciated that theapparatus and techniques for its use exemplify inventive concepts whichcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. It should beunderstood that the invention may be practiced in various applicationsand embodiments without altering the principles of the invention. Forpurposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of functions, components, andsystems familiar to those skilled in the applicable arts are notincluded. In general, the invention provides apparatus, systems, andmethods for moving and orienting remote objects. The invention isdescribed in the context of representative example embodiments. Althoughvariations and alternatives for the details of the embodiments arepossible, each has one or more advantages over the prior art.

Referring primarily to FIG. 1, in an example of a preferred embodiment,an endoscope capsule apparatus 100 is shown. The principles of theinvention shown and described may also be applied to additional uses invivo or to probes used in other contexts such as mechanical orfluid-handling systems. The term “capsule” is used interchangeably withthe term “probe” herein to refer to probe apparatus and similar remoteobjects in general, regardless of shape. It should be understood that acapsule may be spherical, cylindrical, substantially cylindrical withhemi-spherical ends, or other suitable shapes or combinations of shapes.The capsule 100 includes a magnetic dipole 102. In this example themagnetic dipole's 102 axis is aligned with the capsule's 100 axis. Amagnetic field sensor 104 is included. A pair of magnetic sensors mayalso be used. The magnetic field sensor(s) 104 is (are) aligned with thedipole 102 in order to sense the x-, y-, and z-axis magnetic field. Inthis example, the z direction is along the capsule axis. The magneticfield values sensed with the magnetic field sensor 104 are preferablysent out from the capsule 100 using an included Radio Frequency (RF)transmitter 106 and antenna 108. As shown in this example, an imagesensor 110, lens 112, and one or more LEDs 114 may be included in thecapsule 100 for medical imaging purposes, along with associatedprocessing circuitry 116 for processing, storing, and/or sending imagedata. Friction force may be used to stabilize the capsule 100 duringorienting and/or moving maneuvers, thus it is preferred to increase thestatic friction force at selected points such as near the ends of thecapsule by modifying the materials and/or texture and/or shape of thecapsule accordingly. Preferably, “feet” 118 are included on the externalsurface of the capsule 100 in locations selected for enhancing friction.The feet preferably take the form of rings, ridges, protrusions, orroughened surfaces. This is one example of a particular implementationpossible within the scope of the invention. The principles of theinvention are not limited to this particular implementation and manyvariations are possible. Another example of an endoscope capsule isshown in FIG. 2. A magnetic dipole 202 is included with one or a pair ofmagnetic field sensors 204. The magnetic dipole's axis is preferablyaligned with the capsule's axis (z). The magnetic field sensors 204 arealigned with the dipole 202 for sensing the x-, y-, and z-axis of themagnetic field. A three-dimension gravity sensor 205 is also preferablyincluded. As in the above example, the measured magnetic field valuesand sensor data may be sent to an external receiver (not shown) using anRF link 206. It should be appreciated that many other variations in thedetails and arrangement of components may be made within the scope theinvention.

With the overview of the exemplary apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 in mind,it should be understood that the determination of the position of the ofa capsule in a stationary state with one three-dimension magnetic sensoris shown by:

B ^(m) _(sensor)(r _(s) ,t)=R(α,β,γ)B ^(m) _(magnet) _(—) _(ball)(r _(s)−r ₀)+B ^(m) _(capsule) _(—) _(dipole)(r _(s))+B _(earth)

B ^(m) _(magnet) _(—) _(ball)(r _(s) −r ₀)=R(α,β,γ)B ^(m) _(magnet) _(—)_(ball)(r _(s) −r ₀)

Wherein, B is the magnetic field, R is the rotation function linking thelocally sensed magnetic field to an externally applied magnetic fieldprovided by an external magnet as further described herein. The earth'smagnetic field, B_(earth), is small (about 0.2 to 0.4 Gauss) andgenerally can be neglected.

B ^(m) _(capsule) _(—) _(dipole)(r _(s->1))

is fixed and can be pre-measured, at about 100 Gauss, for example.

B ^(m) _(magnet) _(—) _(ball)(r _(s) −r ₀)

can be modeled as the dipole magnetic field (in the range of about10˜300 Gauss). The r_(o) is the original magnetic ball location andorientation, thus at one external magnet position, three descriptiveequations are available. When two magnetic field sensors are used in thecapsule, as shown in FIG. 2, the step of shifting the external magneticfield may be omitted, since the two magnetic field sensors providesufficient data to make the calculations.

FIG. 3 shows a conceptual view of an example of the coordination amongthe various forces. A substantially spherical magnetic ball (not shown)has a magnetic field, represented by arrow 1003, which has the magneticmoment of M, which forms the dipole magnetic field, the magnet islocated at the X′, Y′, Z′ coordinate's (1000) point of origin O′. Thecapsule 1008 is in the field of the magnetic ball 1003. Assuming thatthe capsule 1008 remains at one location in a stationary state, shiftingthe external magnet, and thus the magnetic field 1003, between twodifferent positions thus provides a total six equations, so that x, y,z, α, β, and γ, can be reverse-calculated as the capsule 1008 locationand angles. Additionally referring to FIG. 4, the use of thethree-dimension gravity sensor for aligning the capsule and its imagingapparatus, such as an on-board CMOS imaging sensor is illustrated. Thethree-dimension gravity sensor 205, with gravity readings of g_(x),g_(y), and g_(z), from the x, y, and z axis respectively, is used todetermine the angle α of the capsule 1008 relative to horizontal plane,or the Earth. When the position of the capsule 1008 is static, the α canbe calculated:

${\cos \; \alpha} = {\frac{g_{z}}{\sqrt{g_{x}^{2} + g_{y}^{2} + g_{z}^{2}}}.}$

Preferably, for imaging purposes, the CMOS sensor is mounted in aparallel relationship with the gravity sensor 205. Assuming that the Xdirection of the CMOS sensor is the same as the x axis of the gravitysensor, and further assuming that the Y direction of CMOS image sensoris the same as y axis of gravity sensor, the rotation angle β of theCMOS sensor, or a captured image therefrom, can be calculated from thereadings of g_(x) and g_(y):

${{tg}\; \beta} = \frac{g_{y}}{g_{x}}$

Again referring primarily to the overview of the exemplary apparatus ofFIG. 2, the force and torque on the capsule for the two magnetic sensorstructure may be calculated from the values given by the two magneticfield sensors as follows.

T=m×(B _(m) −B _(dipole)),F=m·(B _(m) −B _(dipole))

Wherein, m is the magnetic moment of the dipole. The gradient of themagnetic field can be calculated by the difference between themeasurements taken by the two magnetic field sensors.

$\left( {B_{m} - B_{dipole}} \right){\begin{matrix}\frac{B_{m\; 1x} - B_{d\; 1x} - B_{m\; 2x} - B_{d\; 2x}}{x_{1} - x_{2}} & \frac{B_{m\; 1y} - B_{d\; 1y} - B_{m\; 2y}}{x_{1} - x_{2}} & \frac{B_{m\; 1z} - B_{d\; 1z} - B_{m\; 2z} - B_{d\; 2z}}{x_{1} - x_{2}} \\\frac{B_{m\; 1x} - B_{d\; 1x} - B_{m\; 2x} - B_{d\; 2x}}{y_{1} - y_{2}} & \frac{B_{m\; 1y} - B_{d\; 1y} - B_{m\; 2y} - B_{d\; 2y}}{y_{1} - y_{2}} & \frac{B_{m\; 1z} - B_{d\; 1z} - B_{m\; 2z} - B_{d\; 2z}}{y_{1} - y_{2}} \\\frac{B_{m\; 1x} - B_{d\; 1x} - B_{m\; 2x} - B_{d\; 2x}}{z_{1} - z_{2}} & \frac{B_{m\; 1y} - B_{d\; 1y} - B_{m\; 2y} - B_{d\; 2y}}{z_{1} - z_{2}} & \frac{B_{m\; 1z} - B_{d\; 1z} - B_{m\; 2z} - B_{d\; 2z}}{z_{1} - z_{2}}\end{matrix}}$

The force and torque are preferably calculated in real time duringmovement, monitoring the magnetic force in order that the capsule can beprevented from overshooting the desired position.

In general, aligning and orienting an object deployed in a remoteenvironment is accomplished by applying an external magnetic field tointeract with the object's dipole such that the object is caused torotate, move axially, or both. Thus, there is no requirement to carry apower source such as a battery within the object, such as a remote probeor capsule, in order to power movement. The external magnetic field ispreferably rotatable through 360 degrees. Using the magnetic sensor(s)in the capsule, the largest magnetic field is found during the rotationof the external magnet. Since the magnetic dipole in the capsule has atendency to turn along the magnetic field, the largest magnetic fieldvalue is used to indentify when the dipole in the capsule is inalignment with the axis of the external magnet. The dipole magneticfield is described by;

$B_{z}^{m} = {{\frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\frac{M}{D^{3}}} + B_{z}^{dipole}}$

Wherein, M is the magnetic moment of the external magnet, which is incontrol of the user and is known. B_(z) ^(m) is the measured magneticfield. B_(z) ^(dipole) is the measured magnetic field of the capsule inthe absence of the external magnet. The distance D is calculated fromthe above equation, thus the location and orientation of the capsule canbe determined. This relationship is also shown in FIG. 5.

The magnetic forces between the external magnet and magnetic dipoleinside the capsule reduces quickly with distance. It should beappreciated that for medical implementations, the dipole magnet isnecessarily small relative to the dimensions of the human body. In someapplications, the use of larger dipole magnets may be preferable. Theforces generated by the magnetic field may be separated into two types;magnetic field gradient force, and magnetic field torque force. For theapproximation of the external magnet and magnetic dipole inside thecapsule, the forces are shown by;

$f_{g} = {\frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\frac{6{Mm}}{D^{4}}}$$f_{t} = {\frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\frac{2{Mm}}{D^{3}r}}$

Wherein f_(g) is the magnetic field gradient force, and f_(t) is themagnetic field torque force. M is the magnetic moment of the externalmagnet and m is the magnetic moment of the capsule dipole. D is thedistance from the external magnet to the magnetic dipole of the capsule,center to center. The length of the capsule dipole is represented by r.Comparison of the two forces reveals that as the distance D increases,the magnetic field torque force dominates.

$\frac{f_{t}}{f_{g}} = \frac{D}{3r}$

It has been found that there are several factors that may make directlydragging, or pushing, the capsule with an external magnet difficult tocontrol. The magnetic field gradient force may not be exactly along thedesired direction of movement. Obstacles, such as surface irregularitiesmay lie in the desired path of movement. The magnetic field gradientforce must overcome the forces of friction between the capsule and thesurfaces it comes into contact with. Variations in static friction anddynamic friction may cause the capsule to alternately stick and slip,making movement erratic. The relationship between the various forces andhow they interact is shown in the simplified diagram of FIG. 6. Theexternal magnet 400 is shown being used in an effort to drag a capsule402 in an operating environment, such as through a passage in vivo forexample. Preferably, a robot is used to control the movement of theexternal magnet 400. The magnetic field of the external magnet forms alink with the magnetic field of the capsule dipole, indicated by thegradient force f_(g). As can be seen, the path of movement, axis of thecapsule, and the direction of the gradient force cannot be preciselyaligned. Friction f impedes movement, and potential obstacles lie ahead.According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the capsule may be“walked”, overcoming some of the impeding forces. This enhanced methodof movement is accomplished by altering support points and applyingrotational force. For the purposes of this description “support points”refers to selected points at which the surface of the capsule may makecontact with the surface on which it is deployed. It has been found thatcausing the capsule to reorient among its support points can be used toadvantage in facilitating movement. For example, now referring primarilyto FIGS. 7A through 7D, it can be seen that by shifting the supportpoints and reorienting the capsule, the capsule can move along x. InFIG. 7A, a capsule 500 is shown in a starting orientation. A supportpoint at the surface of the capsule 500 is shown at 502. A rotationalforce, indicated by arrow 504, is applied by the interaction of theexternal magnetic field with the capsule dipole, causing the supportpoint to move to 506. In FIG. 7B, the starting orientation is with thesupport point at 506. A rotational force 508 is again applied, and againat 510 (FIG. 7C), and as the external magnet is moved laterally, thecapsule also moves laterally in the direction of arrow 512 in FIG. 7D,adopting a new support point indicated by 514. By rotating the externalmagnetic field, the magnetic link between the external magnetic fieldand the capsule dipole is used to overcome the torque of the capsule'sweight. Thus the force of friction need not be overcome as necessary inmerely dragging the capsule. The method in fact uses the force offriction to advantage to the extent that it allows the capsule to be“walked” forward. This approach to movement of the capsule has beenfound to be more effective in many cases than dragging, magneticallylevitating, or pushing alone. As the angle between the axis of thecapsule and the direction of movement can be changed at the differentsteps, the capsule walking direction can be changed.

An example of a special case of capsule movement using these principlesis illustrated in FIG. 8. In this example, the capsule 600 ismore-or-less somersaulted along a movement path (indicated by arrow v).The external magnet 602 is rotated and moved laterally along themovement path v. The resultant magnetic forces exerted between theexternal magnet and the capsule dipole cause the support point 604 toalternate end-over-end as the capsule 600 moves along the movement pathv. Note that the external magnet is rotated in the same direction as itslateral motion. It has been found that in order to make the best forwardmovement, the relation of the moving speed v and rotating speed w shouldbe v=wL for the external magnet, wherein L is the length of the capsule.In environments where the surface to be moved over is not smooth, thisor a variation of this method of movement is advantageous for overcomingobstacles. In another example of a movement technique, when the distancebetween external control magnet(s) and the capsule is not too great, thecapsule can be magnetically levitated. Magnetic levitation refers to theovercoming of the force of gravity for other than horizontal movement.As in “walking” the capsule as described herein, the static frictionforce between the capsule and the “wall” of the operating environment,such as an intestine or stomach for in vivo implementations, may be usedto stabilize the capsule and to advance its movement in any direction.The alternating supporting points “walking” technique may also beapplied in such maneuvers, in effect causing the capsule to climb avertical or sloped surface, or for causing the capsule to travel alongan inverted surface. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the capsule isrotated along an inverted surface and is simultaneously moved forwardlaterally by the manipulation of the external magnet. Note that theexternal magnet is rotated in the direction opposite to its lateralmotion. Similar to the previous case, it has been found that a movingspeed of v=−wL is preferable (w being negative to indicate the reverserotation).

FIGS. 10 and 11 are illustrative of the apparatus, systems and methodsof orienting and moving a capsule equipped with an image sensor in vivo.In FIG. 10, a conceptual view shows that by relocating the capsule 800to relatively few vantage points 802, 804, within an operatingenvironment, e.g., the stomach, and by reorienting (shown by 800A-F) thecapsule 800 while positioned at these vantage points 802, 804, nearlythe entire surface of the stomach 806 can be observed. Of course,deploying the capsule at additional locations facilitates observing theentire operating environment, or in some cases, may be used forobserving one selected target location from multiple viewing angles. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the arts that location and/orimaging data or other data obtained from a remote sensor using theorientation and movement apparatus and methods described herein may usethe data gathered by the probe to provide feedback for orientationand/or motion control, preferably in real time. FIG. 11 illustrates analternative method of combined imaging and navigation, in a preferredembodiment wherein image analysis may be used not only for guidingcapsule navigation, but in a method for determining distances andvolumes from image analysis using a magnetically controlled remote probesystem. As shown, at a point A, the capsule may be shifted a distance d,and images obtained by an on-board image sensor are also shiftedrelative to each other as shown at L1. Assuming that a correspondingpixel is defined by length p, the pixel p=d/L1. At the same point, usingthe rotating magnetic field to reorient the capsule in two different butclosely spaced positions, and taking an image at each position, theimages are shifted from each other by L2, in terms of the pixels. Thusthe distance from the image sensor to the imaged surface is:

$D = {\frac{{pL}\; 2}{\theta} - H}$

Wherein θ is the angle between the first orientation and the secondorientation, and H is the distance from the image sensor to the end ofthe capsule farthest from the surface. Reiterating these steps, thespatial dimensions of the target environment can be determined.Alternatively, the images thus obtained, pixel by pixel, may be combinedusing stereoscopic imaging techniques and equipment in order to render3D images of the targeted area.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict apparatus 1100 for moving external magnetsrelative to a capsule in accordance with the invention as describedherein. As shown, a magnet 1102, preferably approximately spherical, issecured in a rotation frame 1104. The magnetic pole of the magnet 1102is preferably in alignment with the intended orientation for verticalrotation. A vertical rotation servo motor 1106 is preferably provided,as is a horizontal rotation servo motor 1108, each of which is supportedby a suitable frame, 1110, 1112, respectively. The supporting frames,e.g. 1110, 1112, are made from non ferromagnetic material such asplastics or selected metals such as aluminum, copper, or selectedalloys. The servo motors 1106, 1108, are preferably equipped withnon-magnetic position sensors (not shown), such as laser or otheroptical sensors configured to provide guidance for controlling themovement of the motors. The vertical rotation motor 1106 is designed toimpart rotation to the magnetic ball 1102. The horizontal rotation motor1108 provides rotation in the horizontal plane. As shown in FIG. 13, theapparatus 1100 preferably also includes fixtures adapted for horizontaland vertical positioning of the magnetic ball 1102 by the use ofvertically and horizontally adjustable mechanisms, e.g., 1202, 1204 andan adjustable base 1206. It can be seen that providing the externalmagnet with freedom of movement along two axes facilitates the practiceof the techniques described herein for tracking and moving in the X, Y,and Z directions. The preferred embodiment shown is exemplary, andalternative structures may be used without departing from the inventionso long as sufficient freedom of movement is provided.

Capsules used for medical implementations may be equipped with one ormore of the following: medical diagnostic tools, medical therapy tools,or surgical tools. Medical diagnostic tools are devices that aid in theexamination of the bodily conditions of the area in which the capsule isdeployed. These tools can include sensors that take images or measurethe temperature, pressure, PH, and the like. In some versions of theinvention, medical diagnostic tools may also include devices thatcollect physical samples from the area and deliver the samples outsideof the body for further testing. Medical therapy tools refer totreatment devices meant to treat an existing medical condition. Forexample, these tools may include drug delivery units, medical lightsources for photodynamic therapy, or controlled heat sources forhypothermia therapy. Medical surgical tools include devices that canperform surgical operations in vivo.

The apparatus, systems and methods of the invention provide one or moreadvantages including but not limited to one or more of, improved remoteobject orientation and motion control, reduced remote probe powerrequirements. While the invention has been described with reference tocertain illustrative embodiments, those described herein are notintended to be construed in a limiting sense. For example, variations orcombinations of features or materials in the embodiments shown anddescribed may be used in particular cases without departure from theinvention. Although the presently preferred embodiments are describedherein in terms of particular examples, modifications and combinationsof the illustrative embodiments as well as other advantages andembodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in thearts upon reference to the drawings, description, and claims.

We claim:
 1. A method for moving an object in an enclosed areacomprising the steps of: placing an object comprising a magnetic dipolein an enclosed area; applying an external rotating magnetic field forapplying rotational force to the object from pole to pole along avariable axis; and moving the external magnetic field to manipulateobject along the variable axis in the desired direction of movement. 2.The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of placing an object inan enclosed area further comprises placing the object in vivo.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1 comprising the further step of usingfrictional force to stabilize the movement of the object.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3 wherein the step of using frictional force furthercomprises the step of increasing the frictional force by placing ahigh-friction substance on a surface of the object.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the step of placing an object in anenclosed area further comprises providing an object comprising a medicaldiagnostic tool.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step ofplacing an object in an enclosed area further comprises providing anobject comprising a medical therapy tool.
 7. The method according toclaim 1 wherein the step of placing an object in an enclosed areafurther comprises providing an object comprising a surgical tool.
 8. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the step of placing an object in anenclosed area further comprises providing an object comprising athree-dimension magnetic sensor.
 9. The method according to claim 1wherein the step of placing an object in an enclosed area furthercomprises providing an object comprising a three-dimension gravitysensor.
 10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of placingan object in an enclosed area further comprises providing an objectcomprising a one direction magnetic sensor.
 11. The method according toclaim 1 further comprising the step of determining the angle of theobject relative to the horizontal plane using data from a gravity sensorin the object.
 12. A system for moving an object in an enclosed areacomprising: an object comprising a magnetic dipole for placement in anenclosed area; an external magnet configured for generating a rotatingmagnetic field for applying rotational force to the object from pole topole along a variable axis; and a control mechanism for moving theexternal magnet to manipulate the object along the variable axis in thedesired direction of movement.
 13. The system according to claim 12wherein the object is configured for placement in vivo.
 14. The systemaccording to claim 12 wherein the object further comprises ahigh-friction substance positioned on a surface of the object forincreasing the frictional force generated by the object.
 15. The systemaccording to claim 12 wherein the object further comprises a medicaldiagnostic tool.
 16. The system according to claim 12 wherein the objectfurther comprises a medical therapy tool.
 17. The system according toclaim 12 wherein the object further comprises a surgical tool.
 18. Thesystem according to claim 12 wherein the object further comprises athree-dimension magnetic sensor.
 19. The system according to claim 12wherein the object further comprises a three-dimension gravity sensor.20. The system according to claim 12 wherein the object furthercomprises a one direction magnetic sensor.
 21. A method for orienting anobject in an enclosed area comprising the steps of: placing an objectcomprising a magnetic dipole in an enclosed area, wherein the object hasa starting orientation; applying an external magnetic field in proximityto the magnetic dipole; and manipulating the external magnetic field tointeract with the magnetic dipole, thereby causing the object to adopt asecond orientation relative to the starting orientation.
 22. The methodaccording to claim 21 wherein the step of placing an object in anenclosed area further comprises placing the object in vivo.
 23. Themethod according to claim 21 comprising the further step of usingfrictional force to stabilize the object in the enclosed area.
 24. Themethod according to claim 21 comprising the further steps of: capturingan image at the starting orientation; capturing a separate image at thesecond orientation; and using the captured images to calculate thespatial dimensions of the area.
 25. A method for moving an object in anenclosed area comprising the steps of: placing an object comprising amagnetic dipole in an enclosed area, wherein a support point of theobject is in contact with a surface of the enclosed area; applying anexternal rotating magnetic field on the dipole, exerting a rotationalforce on the object, thereby changing the support point of the object incontact with the surface of the enclosed area; and moving the externalmagnetic field to manipulate object in a desired direction of movement.26. The method according to claim 25 wherein the step of placing anobject in an enclosed area further comprises placing the object in vivo.27. The method according to claim 25 comprising the further step ofusing frictional force to stabilize the movement of the object.
 28. Themethod according to claim 25 comprising the further step of usingfrictional force to stabilize the movement of the object by placing ahigh-friction substance at one or more points on the surface of theobject.
 29. The method according to claim 25 wherein the step of placingan object in an enclosed area further comprises providing an objectcomprising a medical diagnostic tool.
 30. The method according to claim25 wherein the step of placing an object in an enclosed area furthercomprises providing an object comprising a medical therapy tool.
 31. Themethod according to claim 25 wherein the step of placing an object in anenclosed area further comprises providing an object comprising asurgical tool.
 32. The method according to claim 25 wherein the step ofplacing an object in an enclosed area further comprises providing anobject comprising a three-dimension magnetic sensor.
 33. The methodaccording to claim 25 wherein the step of placing an object in anenclosed area further comprises providing an object comprising athree-dimension gravity sensor.
 34. The method according to claim 25wherein the step of placing an object in an enclosed area furthercomprises providing an object comprising a one direction magneticsensor.
 35. A method for observing an enclosed area comprising the stepsof: placing an object comprising a magnetic dipole and an image sensorin an enclosed area; applying an external rotating magnetic field; andusing the external magnetic field to move the object for observing thearea.
 36. A system for observing an enclosed area comprising: an objectcomprising a magnetic dipole and an image sensor for placement in anenclosed area; and an external magnet configured for generating arotating magnetic field for moving the object.
 37. A system fororienting an internal object comprising: an internal object comprising amagnetic dipole wherein the object has a starting orientation; anexternal magnet configured to generate a magnetic field to be applied inproximity to the magnetic dipole; a control mechanism for manipulatingthe external magnetic field to interact with the magnetic dipole causingthe internal object to adopt a second orientation relative to thestarting orientation.
 38. The system according to claim 37 wherein thecontrol mechanism further comprises a plurality of servo motors formoving the external magnet along a plurality of axes.
 39. The systemaccording to claim 37 wherein the internal object further comprises athree-dimension magnetic sensor.
 40. The system according to claim 37wherein the internal object further comprises a three-dimension gravitysensor.